About MRI Scans of the Knee

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of The Knee Joint

Magnet resonance images, also known as MRI, of the knee joint utilizes a powerful magnetic field with radio waves and a computer to provide high-quality images or pictures of the structures within the knee joint. This is typically used as assistance for diagnosis of and evaluation of pain, weakness, inflammation or bleeding in and around the knee joint. An MRI of the knee does not require the use of ionized radiation and it can be highly beneficial in determining whether or not one needs surgery as treatment for medical conditions.

What Is MRI Of The Knee Joint?

MRI of the knee joint is used to provide detailed pictures of the structures found within the knee area. This will include a medical view of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles and blood vessels taken from various angles.

Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, is a non-invasive medical procedure used by physicians to diagnose specific medical conditions. The detailed MRI images allow trained professionals to evaluate different parts of the body and evaluate the evidence of certain diseases. The images can be examined via a computer monitor, transmitted electronically and uploaded to a digital cloud server. The images are also available for the patient to be printed or copied to a CD.

The MRI test uses a computer to develop pictures of soft tissue, organs, bones and all other internal bodily structures. While the MRI operates within a magnetic field with sonic frequency pulses, it does not utilize ionizing radiation in the case of x-rays.

What Are The Uses Of MRI Procedures?

When used in conjunction with traditional x-rays, the MRI is one of the most beneficial options to examine a body’s major joints, including the knee joint. The MRI examination of the knee is most commonly performed as a means of evaluating and diagnosing the following:

– knee pain
– weakness in the knee
– inflammation and bleeding in the tissues around the knee joint
– inflammation and bleeding in the meniscus around the knee
– damage to the knee ligaments or tendons
– sports-related knee injuries
– torn ligaments and tendons
– bone fractures that are not evident on traditional x-rays or other imaging procedures
– accumulation of fluid in the knee joint
– decreased motion in the joint
– knee cap pain and injury
– degenerative knee joint disorders, including arthritis
– infections, such as osteomyelitis
– complications related to surgical implants
– a sensation that the knee is “giving away” at the joint
– primary tumors and metastates involving the knee joint and bone

A medical doctor may also request an MRI of the knee joint to determine if the knee arthroscopy or other knee-related surgical procedures are required; as well as how to monitor recovery progress after the surgery. One special type of MRI, known as an MR arthrogram, is used by radiologists to obtain more competent images of the knee structure. This MRI requires the radiologist to inject a specific contrast material into the knee joint to form a clear MRI picture.